Just an hour ago, Real Madrid emerged victorious in a thrilling match against Alavés, securing a 2-1 win. Kylian Mbappé put Madrid ahead early, only for Julian Alvarez to equalize for Alavés. The match was decided when Vinicius Jr. set up Rodrygo for a crucial second goal, sealing the three points for Madrid. One of the standout players in this clash was 19-year-old Víctor Valdepeñas, who continues to impress as he cements his place in the first team.
Valdepeñas’ rise at Real Madrid has been nothing short of meteoric. From his humble beginnings as the No. 3 in the Youth League, he’s now a key figure in the senior squad, starting in La Liga and the Champions League. This leap was completed in his starting role for the match against Alavés, where he played as the left-back. With Ferland Mendy sidelined due to injury and Fran García and Carreras suspended, Xabi Alonso trusted Valdepeñas to take the starting spot. The young defender delivered, proving his readiness for the challenge.
Real Madrid’s Starting XI vs Alavés:
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Valdepeñas; Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappé, and Rodrygo.
The lineup showed three changes from the previous Champions League match, with Valdepeñas making his first start as a left-back in La Liga. Mbappé’s return to the squad was another highlight, along with Güler’s return to midfield. Rodrygo kept his place in the starting XI.
Valdepeñas, a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and left-back, has made an impression on coaches and fans alike. Despite being just 19, his potential is undeniable. Last season, Carlo Ancelotti handed him No. 45, and this year he wears No. 40. His physique, particularly his speed—he can hit over 34 km/h and maintain it over long distances—sets him apart. That, combined with his strength and powerful runs, makes him a standout in both defensive and offensive situations. His strength is further underscored by his ability to repeat high-intensity sprints and assert his presence in tackles, which makes him a perfect fit for Xabi Alonso’s system.
While his journey didn’t begin with immediate first-team opportunities, Valdepeñas quickly earned his place. He first began as a center-back for Castilla, where he immediately became an indispensable part of the squad, playing a total of 888 minutes in the 2023 season. His breakthrough at Real Madrid, however, came in a position he’s long been familiar with: left-back.
His career trajectory has been shaped by persistence and hard work. Born in Villa Rosa, Valdepeñas refined his skills at Rayo Vallecano before a stint at Leganés’ academy. It was at Leganés where he really began to show his true potential, catching the attention of Madrid scouts. A standout performance in a match against Madrid’s B team in Valdebebas convinced the club to bring him back, and since then, his rise has been unstoppable. Now, he’s not only a fixture in Castilla but also trusted by the senior squad, earning minutes in Europe and La Liga.
Real Madrid fans will no longer have to wait for Valdepeñas to fulfill his potential. He’s already playing at the highest level, and with a foundation built on power, repetition, and determination, the sky’s the limit for this young star. Today, with Madrid’s hard-fought 2-1 victory, it’s clear that Valdepeñas’ journey is only just beginning—one filled with more opportunities to shine on the biggest stages.